Reid Hoffman
Co-founder of LinkedIn, venture capitalist, author on entrepreneurship
Reid Garrett Hoffman (born August 19, 1967) is an American internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author best known as the co-founder and former CEO of LinkedIn, which he grew into a global professional network with hundreds of millions of users before its acquisition by Microsoft for $26.2 billion in 2016. Before founding LinkedIn, Hoffman worked at Fujitsu and was an early executive at PayPal, where he helped develop the company's business strategy. Beyond LinkedIn, Hoffman has been an influential investor and board member at numerous technology companies including Airbnb, Zynga, and Palantir Technologies. He co-founded Greylock Partners, a leading venture capital firm, and has invested in transformative startups that shaped the modern internet. Hoffman is also an accomplished author, having written bestselling books on entrepreneurship and professional development, including 'The Startup of You' and 'The Alliance,' which have influenced how people think about career building in the digital age. His philosophical approach to entrepreneurship emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, and the importance of networks in professional success.
Business & Industry
American
1967
Thinking about the name
Reid
English origin
“Derived from the Scottish and English surname meaning 'red' (from Old English 'read'), historically used to describe someone with red hair or ruddy complexion. Reid has transitioned into a popular given name that feels both vintage and contemporary, with a crisp, straightforward appeal that works across ages and professions.”